Cluster Category Procurement Manager – Colors & Additives

Procurement Category Manager (Colors and Additives) for the Asia Africa Cluster is responsible for developing and executing procurement initiatives within the colors & additives category, aligned with the global & cluster strategy. Reporting directly to the Cluster Procurement Director and dotted to Global Category Leader, this role is pivotal in driving cost efficiency, market analysis, supplier innovation, and sustainable procurement practices.

This is a highly strategic role that combines category expertise with operational execution to deliver measurable value across the supply chain. The Category Manager will collaborate with regional stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes aligned with the global procurement organization's goals.

Primary regions in scope will be APAC, CIS, India and AMET.

Category Strategy Development

• Identify, develop and implement a robust category sourcing strategy for colors and additives in the Asia Africa region, aligned with global procurement objectives and covering country and regional needs.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within the colors and additives supply chain.
• Collaborate with country, regional & global procurement teams to align category initiatives and leverage synergies across regions.

Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives to identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for colors and additives.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring favourable terms, quality standards, and compliance with corporate policies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to drive innovation, sustainability, and performance improvements.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, addressing issues and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Cost Optimization and Value Creation

• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising on quality or performance, ensuring competitive advantage for the organization.
• Monitor and manage category spend, providing detailed analysis and reporting to the Cluster Procurement Director.
• Identify and implement value-adding opportunities, such as alternative materials or innovative technologies, in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Operational Excellence and Risk Management

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of critical colors and additives to meet production and business demands across the Americas cluster.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to supply continuity, regulatory compliance, and market volatility.
• Collaborate with logistics and supply chain teams to optimize inventory management and delivery schedules.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with sales, operations, finance, and logistic teams to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with product requirements.
• Act as a category expert and trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, providing insights and recommendations on category-related matters.
• Support sustainability goals by embedding ESG principles into category procurement practices.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• 5+ years of procurement or category management experience, ideally within packaging materials, chemicals, or manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record of successfully managing procurement categories in a multinational environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Category Expertise: In-depth knowledge of colors, additives or other chemicals (organic - inorganic); basic knowledge of chemical value chain highly desirable
• Analytical Ability, Negotiation Skills, Strategic Thinking, Communication: Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills and Tech Savvy.